TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- No. 2 Alabama moved a step closer to playing for its third national championship in four years Saturday with a 49-0 thrashing of Auburn in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

It was the second most lopsided Iron Bowl in history. Alabama won 55-0 in 1948.

Here’s an instant analysis from the game:

It was over when: The two teams got off the buses. OK, that’s too easy. Alabama jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and had 102 total yards to Auburn’s 2. The Crimson Tide went on to score touchdowns on each of their first seven possessions in a game that was a complete mismatch from the opening kick.

Game ball goes to: Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron was 15-of-21 for 216 yards and four touchdowns before retiring to the bench midway through the third quarter.

Stat of the game: Alabama’s defense now has gone two consecutive years without giving up any points to Auburn. One of the Tigers’ touchdowns last season came on defense, and the other was on a kickoff return.

Injury report: Alabama receiver Kenny Bell left the game in the first half with what appeared to be a knee injury.

What it means for Alabama: The Crimson Tide (11-1, 7-1 SEC) clinched the Western Division championship and will face Georgia next Saturday in the SEC championship game in Atlanta. A victory would send Alabama to Miami to play in the Discover BCS National Championship Game.

What it means for Auburn: The Tigers (3-9, 0-8) finished the season with their first 0-8 mark in SEC play and their first winless SEC season since 1980. All eyes now will be on coach Gene Chizik, who could be out as early as Sunday or Monday. The Tigers have lost 10 straight SEC games going back to last season.